Taking cognizance of the inability of Uttar Pradesh's government in handling the brutal gangrape and murder case of a 20-year-old Dalit woman in Hathras, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday has once again reminded the states and Union Territories (UTs) about the advisory which directs them to take stringent action on the cases of crime against women.
The re-issued guidelines direct the states to take "mandatory" police action in such cases of crime against women with compulsory registration of First Information Report (FIR). It further added that investigation related to the case of rape must be completed within 60 days, also, a mandatory medical examination with the consent of an individual should be done by a qualified medical professional within 24 hours of receipt of information of such a crime.
It has further warned that any failure on the part of the police to adhere to the mandatory requirements in crime against women will be inquired and necessary action will be taken immediately against the concerned officers responsible for the lapses.
"It is requested that States/UTs, may suitably issue instructions to all concerned to ensure strict compliance with the provisions in the law... also requested to monitor the cases on ITSSO (an online portal to track sexual offense cases) to ensure suitable follow up action," the notice said.
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The advisory says, "It is requested that states and UTs may suitably issue instructions to all concerned to ensure strict compliance with the provisions in the law".
The states and the UTs have also been requested to monitor the cases on the Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO) to ensure that suitable follow up action is taken on the charge sheet of the guilty in a timely manner as required in the law.
After the Hathras case. similar crimes were reported in Jharkhand and Rajasthan, and other states leading to widespread protest and political outcry, the Ministry took the step to issue the fresh advisory.